Special Report

Momentum for industrial hemp is building

An advocate for industrial hemp says farmers in several states are recognizing its value as an alternative crop.

“We’re really on the cusp of building an industry.”

Michael Bowman with the National Hemp Association says in the last five years, industrial hemp production has become legal in 40 states.  “A year ago, Colorado grew more hemp than all of the other states combined, that’s not going to be the case this year.”

He says the U.S. is currently the largest consumer market in the world for the crop, but the only G7 nation that doesn’t allow its cultivation under federal law.  New legislation in Senate farm bill that Bowman helped craft would make it easier for farmers to produce.

While Colorado grew 30,000 acres last year, Montana grew 22,000 in 2018, and Bowman says states like Wisconsin and Minnesota are also expected to have large harvests this year.

He says industrial hemp is most used for its CBD oil but has many other uses including alternative health products, textiles and animal feed.

Both hemp and marijuana are in the cannabis plant family.  Bowman says it’s the THC levels in marijuana that distinguish between the two.

In Tuesday’s election, Michigan voted to legalize recreational marijuana and industrial hemp, while Missouri passed a measure to legalize medical marijuana.  North Dakota voted against recreational marijuana.

Bowman was a featured speaker during Wednesday’s session of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting Convention in Kansas City.

AUDIO: Alternative crops session during NAFB Convention